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Mediastinoscopy

Definition

The mediastinum is the area in the middle of the chest between the lungs. A mediastinoscopy is a procedure to look at this area inside the chest. A tube with a light (mediastinoscope) is placed into the upper chest through a small opening (mediastinotomy). The light allows the doctor to see the area.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and ask you to sign a consent form. You will be asked to stop eating and drinking for 8-10 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you whether you should:

Take any medications before the procedure

Stop taking certain medications before the procedure

The day of the procedure:

You will be asked to remove any jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, or dentures.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies.

You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Anesthesia

You will receive a
general anesthetic
through an IV in your hand or arm. This will block any pain and keep you asleep throughout the procedure. When you are sedated, a breathing tube will be placed in your throat to help you breathe.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on the operating table on your back. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A small cut will be made at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. The muscles of your lower back will be separated. The mediastinoscope will be placed through the opening. The light from the mediastinoscope will help the doctor see the space between your lungs and heart. Tissue samples may be taken from the lymph nodes or other parts of your chest. The mediastinoscope will be removed and the opening will be closed with stitches. The wound will be covered with a dressing.

Immediately After the Procedure

After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room. If all is well, your breathing tube will likely be removed. The tissue samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing.

How Long Will It Take?

30 minutes to 2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

General anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You may be given medication to manage pain and tenderness after the procedure.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure can be done in an outpatient setting or as part of your hospital stay. The usual length of stay is up to 24 hours if there are no unforeseen complications. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You will be taken to the recovery room after the procedure until the anesthetic wears off.

Achest x-ray may be ordered
to check for bleeding or air inside your chest space.

At Home

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding from the wound

Chest pain

Swelling in the neck

Difficulty swallowing

Hoarseness that lasts for more than a few days or worsens

Shortness of breath

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.